Arts Expert Charles Hilburn Joins UA Advancement Team

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Charles Hilburn has been named assistant to the vice president for advancement at The University of Alabama.

Hilburn, a Tuscaloosa native with extensive experience working in the area of fine arts, will provide oversight to historic and treasured facilities at UA, including the President’s Mansion and the University Club.

At UA, Hilburn will work to construct a pictorial data base of the contents of the President’s Mansion. His role will include fine art and antiques maintenance as well as working with planned giving to assist individuals who are interested in providing gifts to the University.

“Charles Hilburn brings over 40 years’ experience with arts and antiques and working with people, and he is uniquely talented to be in this position,” said Dr. Pam Parker, vice president for advancement at UA.
Hilburn said he plans to work with others on campus to enhance the University Club as a place for members and their guests to dine and enjoy fellowship. “It can be a place for the town and gown to meet as was the intent when Mildred and H.D. Warner donated the home in 1946,” he noted.

Additionally, Hilburn will be available to share his expertise with donors who want to add to the collection of furniture and decorative arts in the UA President’s Mansion.

In his association with the fine arts world, Hilburn worked with an antiques publication for eight years and then worked 32 years with the collection of antiques and decorative arts assembled for the Westervelt Company in Tuscaloosa by Jack Warner.

Hilburn attended local schools and the University.

“I am delighted to be at the University and I hate to think what our town would be like without the University. I have traveled extensively and have had the opportunity to see some of the finest works of art, furniture and decorative accessories by the masters in their fields. Art is history,” he commented.

Hilburn began his new position at UA earlier this semester.